Leg And Waist Band Structures For An Absorbent Article

Abstract

An elasticized structure suitable for use as a legband or waistband in a wearable article. The elasticized structure includes an inelastic sheath and an elastic component bonded at least three points. The bond points are selected to influence aesthetics, force distribution, and gathering of the inelastic sheath about the elastic component.

1 . An article comprising
 a sheath having a longitudinal length; and   an elastic component having a longitudinal length shorter than the longitudinal length of the sheath when the elastic component is in a relaxed state and moveably disposed within the sheath; and   a bond between the elastic component and the sheath at each end of the longitudinal length of the sheath, and at least one intermediate bond between the elastic component and the sheath between the longitudinal ends of the sheath component.   
     
     
         2 . The article of  claim 1 , wherein there is between 1 cm and 10 cm between each of the bonds, measured along the longitudinal length of the sheath component when the sheath component is fully extended. 
     
     
         3 . The article of  claim 1 , comprising two intermediate bonds between the elastic component and the sheath between the longitudinal ends of the sheath component. 
     
     
         4 . The article of  claim 3 , wherein the intermediate bonds are equidistant from the nearest longitudinal end of the sheath component when the sheath component is fully extended. 
     
     
         5 . The article of  claim 4 , wherein the distance between the intermediate bonds is the same as the distance from one of the intermediate bonds to a nearest longitudinal end of the sheath component when the sheath component is fully extended. 
     
     
         6 . The article of  claim 1 , comprising no more than six intermediate bonds. 
     
     
         7 . The article of  claim 1 , wherein the sheath is a component of a waistband. 
     
     
         8 . The article of  claim 1 , wherein the sheath is a component of a legband. 
     
     
         9 . The article of  claim 1 , wherein the article is selected from the group consisting of diapers, training pants, adult incontinence devices, and feminine hygiene products. 
     
     
         10 . The article of  claim 1 , comprising one intermediate bond between the elastic component and the sheath between the longitudinal ends of the sheath component. 
     
     
         11 . The article of  claim 10 , wherein the intermediate bond is equidistant from each longitudinal end of the sheath component when the sheath component is fully extended 
     
     
         12 . The article of  claim 1 , wherein the intermediate bond is formed by sewing the elastic component to each of a front and back side of the sheath. 
     
     
         13 . The article of  claim 12 , wherein the intermediate bond is straight-stitched. 
     
     
         14 . The article of  claim 1 , wherein each bond is formed by a method selected from the group consisting of interfacing, adhesives, melt-welding, ultrasonic bonding, mechanical bonding, co-extrusion, mechanical fasteners, and combinations thereof. 
     
     
         15 . The article of  claim 1 , wherein each intermediate bond is placed near a natural pinch point. 
     
     
         16 . The article of  claim 15 , wherein at least one intermediate bond is positioned to correspond to the front of the wearer's thigh.